Culture, Politics and Innovation: Evidence from the Creameries

Kevin O'Rourke

No 3235, CEPR Discussion Papers from Centre for Economic Policy Research

Abstract: This Paper explores the diffusion of two agricultural innovations in late 19th century Denmark and Ireland: the milk separator and the cooperative creamery. It asks whether variables identified as important for innovation and growth by cross-country regressions mattered in this instance: in particular, education, uncertain property rights, and social capital. The Paper finds that literacy and conflict regarding property rights impeded the diffusion of milk separators in Ireland, and that the propensity to cooperate there was lower among Catholics than among Protestants. These factors all help explain the superior performance of the Danish dairy industry during this period.

Keywords: Innovation; agriculture; History (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O31 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2002-02
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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Working Paper: Culture, politics and innovation: evidence from the creameries (2001)
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